Patent GB-786041-A (GB)
Title: Means for converting signals symbolizing information in one system of representation to signals symbolizing the same information in another system of representation
IPC: G09G1/14
Filed: 1950-06-23
Abstract: 786,041. Electric digital-data-storage apparatus. DIRKS, G. June 23, 1950 [Oct. 1, 1948], No. 37222/54. Divided out of 786,021. Class 106 (1). [Also in Groups XXXVIII and XL (c)] Apparatus for converting stored signals having a predetermined significance into pulse trains having the same significance as the respective signals, comprises a means for generating pulses by electromagnetic induction in any one of a number of pulse positions independently of the pulse content of the other positions to produce a pattern of pulses, different patterns of pulses representing different characters, and a selecting means controlled by the stored signal which is to be converted to determine in what positions pulses are to be generated for the signal then being converted. In a first embodiment decimal digits represented by the positions of magnetized spots in sections I, II, &c. of a carrier 38 (e.g. strip, drum, disc, &c.), are sensed by a head 34 causing a normally cut-off pentode 35 to conduct briefly when a spot is detected. The movement of the pick-up head relative to each of the sections I, II, &c. is synchronized with the movement of a coupling yoke 27 passing between ten pairs of iron-cored windings 25<SP>0</SP> ... 25<SP>9</SP>, 26<SP>0</SP> ... 25<SP>9</SP> arranged as described in Specification 786,033. Thus, according to the value of the digit represented by the position of the magnetic spot sensed by the head 34, a brief surge of current in the series-connected windings 25<SP>0</SP> ... 25<SP>9</SP> will occur when the yoke 27 is opposite the winding of corresponding value and will induce a voltage in the corresponding winding 26, causing an associated gas tube 36<SP>0</SP> ... 36<SP>9</SP> to be fired, thus registering the digit sensed by the head 34. In the example shown, the digit " 4 " has been sensed, and only the circuits used in generating signals for building up a representation of this digit as illustrated in Figs. 1b and 1c are shown. These include sets of seven windings on each of six cores 28<SP>1</SP> ... 28<SP>6</SP> corresponding to the seven columns and six rows of Fig. 1b, effective windings corresponding with the crosses making up the character and other windings being ineffective to magnetize the core. With the digit " 4 " registered on the gas tube 36<SP>4</SP>, successive excursions of a second yoke 30 between the cores 28<SP>1</SP> ... 28<SP>6</SP> and 291 ... 29<SP>6</SP> cause the ignition of further gas tubes 401 ... 40<SP>6</SP> in accordance with the successive rows of crosses in Fig. 1b a make-before-break switch 39 stepping on and a switch 42 opening to extinguish any conducting tubes 40<SP>1</SP> ... 40<SP>6</SP>, after each excursion. Relays 41<SP>1</SP> ... 41<SP>6</SP> in circuit with the gas tubes 40<SP>1</SP> ... 40<SP>6</SP> are available to control printing, indicating or other means to manifest the digit pattern " 4." In other embodiments the signals control C.R.T. indicators and printing devices of the type described in Specification 786,022, [Group XVI]. The invention is also described in connection with a multi-column tape record bearing coded numerical and alphabetical data as described in Specification 786,029. Specifications 786,024, 786,027, [both in Group XVI], 786,028, [Group XXXVIII], also are referred to.